Overview

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand’s glacier country on this 3-hour kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand’s most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region’s fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.

This kayak tour is a must-do activity while at Franz Josef Glacier Village. Lake Mapourika is a spectacular glacial lake, surrounded by temperate rain forest-covered hills. The tour keeps right on schedule, with safety being the primary concern of the tour guides, and your enjoyment of the tour coming in a close second. For the most part, you'll be paddling your kayaks without commentary from the tour guides. Once you cross the lake, however, the tour guides provide nice insights about the origins of the lake and the forests and the wildlife. We paddled up a somewhat narrow creek, and stopped to listen to the tour guides about the various plants and original human inhabitants. We were lucky to get reasonably close to the somewhat elusive New Zealand White Heron.

Our guides were Johnny aka Woody because he wore a hat similar to Woody in Pixar's Toy Story and Bom Bom Brandon?. Both were entertaining and informative, and clearly love what they do.

Wonderful scenery, good physical activity, and a learning experience. What are you waiting for?

We had an awesome 4 hour kayak/walk on Lake Manapouri, including 90 minutes of kayaking each way across beautiful lake, with a one hour walk through bush to the cafe, where our guide had set up coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Our guide, Mike, was wonderful, taking photos of the kayakers in each of the 4 kayaks. The kayaks are great, with a rudder and pedals, aprons so you stay dry, and back support. Best of all, the company has the only permit on the lake, so there were no other kayaks on the lake for the majority of the trip. It was a definite highlight on our spectacular New Zealand vacation.

An absolute MUST DO in Franz Josef! It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. You get to learn about the Maori culture and the geological history of the area, from the knowledgeable guide as well! The experience is serene and fun the views are breath taking! Plus you get awesome hi-def, free pics